Often there is so much focus on the pregnancy and the birth, families may find themselves woefully unprepared for the realities that having a new baby can bring to their lives. Having a new baby can feel overwhelming and isolating for many families and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the stress families may feel. Michelle explains helpful self-care tips for new parents and provides an overview of what the postpartum experience can be like. She distinguishes between baby blues and postpartum depression, gives an overview of maternal mood disorders, and provides resources for families here in the show notes. Michelle ends this information-packed episode with a brief guided meditation. (replay of episode 36)

Resources: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Postpartum Support International, The Blue Dot Project, Baby Makes 3: The Gottman Institute, Dads With Wisdom, Motherly: Eight Ways to Reduce Anxiety for Mothers

Baby Care Resources: Dunstan Baby Language, Happiest Baby on the Block, All Babies Cry, No Cry Solution

Connect with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com, Facebook @thebirtheasepodcast and @birtheasemethod, Instagram @birtheasemichellesmith